AARP Oklahoma is teaming up with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to host two entrepreneur workshops next week in Tulsa as part of National Encore Entrepreneur Mentor Month, a month set by AARP and SBA to encourage individuals over the age of 50 who want to start or grow their own business.

“Many new entrepreneurs are saving their best acts for their encore performance,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “They’re using their decades of expertise and their rolodexes to start new businesses and to finally pursue that venture that has been stirring their dreams for all these years. The SBA and AARP are once again focusing our efforts during Encore Entrepreneurship Mentor Month to help transform those dreams into a reality.”

The Tulsa workshops are scheduled for April 10 at the Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 East 93rd Street. Two sessions, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., are available.

Attendees will hear from business experts about topics ranging from writing a business plan to seeking start-up capital and learn about programs and resources available through AARP, SBA and other organizations. Speakers include successful entrepreneur Michael Barber, who now serves as a procurement specialist for the National Center for American Indian Economic Development, as well as experts from the SBA and partner agencies.

“AARP supports older Americans who want to pursue entrepreneurship as a means to generate income, boost financial security and assist others in meeting needs,” said Marjorie Lyons, AARP Oklahoma state president. “AARP creates real possibilities by connecting experienced workers with the practical information and guidance they need to start or grow a small business.”

The free workshops are open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration is available online at http://aarp.cvent.com/d/mcqv8y/4W or by phone at 1-877-926-8300.

Mentor Month, which runs through April, is part of a larger effort by AARP and SBA to provide resources to more than 100,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners over the age of 50 this year. The events will help connect encore entrepreneurs, and individuals interested in becoming entrepreneurs, with mentors from SBA’s network of Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and SCORE chapters, who can help throughout the life of an entrepreneur’s business.

Small business ownership is a good option for many baby boomers. One in four individuals between the ages of 44 and 70 is interested in becoming an entrepreneur, and 63 percent of Americans plan to work during retirement, according to the website www.encore.org.